The clock tower, in the Middlehaven area of Middlesbrough, was built by architect John Middleton in 1847. It was a noted landmark for approaching ships and just beneath the faces of the clock there was a little balcony for a look-out. Although the tower had four sides, there were only three clock-faces. It was said that a local ironworks, or a shipyard, that faced the blank clock face from the docks area didn't want its workers clock watching. The clock was paid for by public subscription. During a rebuild of Middlesbrough's dock either around 1870 or as late as 1903 this replacement was built. The tower doubled as a clock tower and a water tower to provide the hydraulic power to operate the dock gates and cranes. This dual use led to its shape: a bulky bottom to house the water, and a slender top for the clock. The tower was restored in 2005 as part of the development of the Middlehaven area on town.
Uploaded by Stan Laundon on 8 February 2015
Photo ID: 120131
Building ID: 101139871
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